I HAVE NO GRUDGE AGAINST NEWCOMERS:NEELA

The soothing voice of Visharada Neela Wickremasinghe who has sung hundreds if not thousands of musical gems like Viyogee Geyena, Yaluwe Sithin, Parami Dam, Pasaloswaka Sanda, Obage Sevane, Suseta Baranin, Keena Dam Mitak, Daruwo Ethi Ammala, Daskon Saki Sanda, Ran Tikiri Sina, Mage Lowata Oba Wadina Thura, Siling Billing and others will be heard live when she performs at the Nelum Pokuna on Saturday evening.

“I will be singing 36 songs at this function ‘Master Sir’ organized to mark my 45th year in music. It will include my new and old songs,” Neela told Reel Life.

Q: But we haven’t heard your new songs in recent times?

“That’s not my fault. I have given my creations to the media for airing, but many people ask me if I have not sung new songs. We have no power to air our songs, it’s upto to whoever in charge of the task. It was so different in the good old days when all were given equal chances. Today getting our songs aired is a gigantic task.

Q: What’s your view about the present day songs?

Except for a handful, most of them are so painful to the ear with just irritating sounds, futile lyrics and amateurish voices. The media doesn’t even air one good song among them so that the listener can choose the good one. Today most television stations telecast visuals to go with the songs. I don’t think my songs need visuals because the people are given the freedom to visualize the song depending how they take up the song. I have seen some visuals ruining the whole value of the song because it does not suit the idea. I think this is ploy to have visuals now because the present day lyrics have no meaning.

Q: About newcomers singing songs of veterans?

Even my songs have been sung by amateurs at reality shows.

Singing them at competition level is different, but there are some who sing songs of veterans even after that.

They earn money by singing songs of seniors and at times try to show off that they are even better than the original singers. That is so unethical.

Q:

Isn’t there some controversy regarding your “Master Sir’ song too?

Well, yes there are some elements who tried to fabricate stories that ‘Master Sir’ was somebody else’s song. The song was musically composed by Nimal Mendis. Two songs came in the film.

One was sung by Neville Fernando and the other by me.

So what more should I say. That is the truth and proof is evident.

Q: What’s your view about the new generation?

We should encourage the entry of newcomers to the music scene because we are not going to be here forever.

I always respect real talent in new singers. Even I work with newcomers using the latest technology. It is the media that tried to create a rift between the old and new generations. I have no problem with the new generation.

Q: Areyoucontent aboutyour 45-year past in the musicscene?

Of course, I am. There have been ups and downs but overall, yes. I am glad that I have done my part for the country and the people. I continue to serve the people through my ‘The Mother’ organization. But I am seldom invited to programmes organized at state level in the interest of the country and its people. The authorities should realize that the input of seniors in the field could make a big difference.